Hit or miss: Dorothy Perkins - 22/30

Despite spring stock being in full bloom ahead of the weather, the offer is strong but slightly too expensive.

Arndale Centre

Product 8

Spring has sprung at Dorothy Perkins, with key items including pastel-coloured flatforms with cute bow details, tropical-print courts and platforms and wooden-heeled sandals with leopard-print straps. There could’ve been more styles to suit the cold weather, such as spring boots, but generally plenty of trends from jelly shoes to brothel creepers are covered and points are gained for offering a variety of heel heights,as well as fun designs.

Value 7

Tropical-print platform courts are £29, while Mary Jane-style wedges are £36 and studded courts £45, so the price architecture is good. However, the price tags are marginally higher than rivals’, despite no overall difference in quality (although heels do seem a bit sturdier). For example, ballet pumps range from £16 to £25 and don’t have properly lined socks, whereas in Next you can get leather-lined socks in pumps for £18.

Experience 7

The footwear section is situated right at the back of the store, in a small corner. While the main displays are decent, some of the more interesting styles are placed on the bottom shelves, which seems a missed opportunity. Trying on is tricky as there is only one seating area and the mirrors are all only ankle height.

However, the sales assistant was friendly and helpful, proving that great customer service can sometimes make up for a less than ideal store set-up.

Retailers have reported an uplift in sales over the bank holiday weekend, as temperatures dropped and families hit the shops as the summer holidays draw to a close, and are cautiously optimistic about the season ahead.

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